Marcelo Doffo’s interest in winemaking began in 1994, after a visit to relatives in Turin, Italy. They made wine out of their garage and he wanted to do the same. Upon returning home, Marcelo began to study winemaking, and started to make his own. Encouraged by an early silver medal win from the Orange County Wine Society, he purchased a former cattle ranch in Temecula, and turned it into a thriving vineyard, planting and setting up an irrigation system himself. Four years later, he produced Mistura, the first wine from these vines, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah that the family still makes today.
Marcelo’s other passion is collecting and lovingly restoring vintage European motorcycles, and Doffo Winery serves as a unique showcase for hundreds he’s amassed over the years. Strolling around the property, the motorcycles are impossible to miss. They greet you at the entrance, above the tasting bar, on the brunch patio, even in the distant parking lot.
The main collection, where you’ll find the fully restored, gleaming motorcycles resides in the member-only MotoDoffo Barrel Room. Non-members interested in seeing it should book Doffo’s Cork ’n Torque tour. You’ll be driven through the vines and up to one of Doffo’s hidden piazza’s where there are stunning views of the vineyard, then end up in the barrel room for a guided tasting.
Doffo is a Family-Run Winery
Today, Marcelo’s children operate the winery. When my family went on the tour, were driven through the vines by Marcelo’s daughter, Samantha, who manages winery events and participates in vintage road racing herself. She explained that the barrel room holds only one-third of her father’s collection. The rest are at Marcelo’s home where he has another, private showroom. (Apparently he got a space for his motorcycles and his wife got a new kitchen.)
The MotoDoffo line of wines was developed by Damian Doffo — Marcelo’s son and the current winemaker — and it has taken on a life of its own. It has a loyal following that shows up for Moto GP watch parties. Occasionally, some big-name drivers make an appearance too. They hire artists from the motorcycle community to design their labels, and MotoDoffo is now the official wine for Kawasaki.
For those amongst us who may not be the motorcycle fanatics that the Doffo family is, a visit is still worth your time. There’s an attractive tasting room, designed by Marcelo’s other daughter, Brigitte (Brigitte is also the tasting room director), and the estate offers some of the best wines and views in the valley. There’s a lovely outdoor seating area that overlooks the vineyard and nearby rolling hills, and a lounge area right next to the tasting room, with sofas and pergola covering.
Doffo Wines
The Paulina Sparkling, named after Marcelo’s mother, is a great way to start your tasting. It’s off-dry and fruity, a good summer sipper and palate cleanser. The 2023 Vermentino also had nice acidity and citrus flavors.
The stars at Doffo are really the bold red wines. The winery is known for their Malbec, and at my latest tasting, it lived up to expectations. The 2022 was bold and complex with flavors of tobacco and blueberry. Their 2022 Zinfandel is also excellent and a long-time Temecula favorite of mine. It’s velvety and aromatic with dark fruit flavors. Syrah always does well in Temecula, and Doffo’s Syrah is no exception. Our server called it “Damian’s baby” and it was easy to see why. It’s smooth, with big berry flavor. A personal favorite is the Port. On my last visit, I didn’t see it on a tasting menu (they have 4 or 5 menus), but I’m sure if you ask for a sip in the tasting room, they’ll grant your wish.
Food at Doffo
There’s no traditional restaurant on site, but a popular local lunch spot, The Brunch House, has taken up residency with a temporary kitchen and serves brunch and lunch options Thursdays through Sunday. Visitors can also “Borrow a Board” and build their own charcuterie plate from a selection of charcuterie and cheese in the tasting room.
